Ingredients:

  • 4 (6 oz / 170g) tilapia fillets
  • 1 tsp (5g) salt
  • ½ tsp (2g) black pepper
  • 1 tsp (2g) garlic powder
  • ½ tsp (1g) paprika
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
  • 3 tbsp (42g) unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves (6g) garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp (5ml) lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp (3g) fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Pat each fillet thoroughly dry with paper towels on both sides. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides of the fish, pressing gently so the spices adhere to the flesh.
  2. Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers (but before it smokes), carefully lay the fillets in the pan. Sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a golden-brown edge forms around the bottom of the fillet.
  3. Flip the fillets gently. Immediately reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic to the empty spaces in the pan. As the butter melts and foams, use a spoon to continuously drizzle the garlic butter over the fish for another 3 minutes.
  4. Turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, allowing the residual heat to emulsify the sauce into a glossy glaze. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.